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MARIETTA, Ga. — The Marietta City Schools District voted on Thursday to not reinstate a novel that was pulled off school library shelves two months ago.
Channel 2 Action News previously reported in September on the district receiving complaints about two books being sexually explicit: “Flamer” and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.”
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After “Flamer” was removed, an appeal was filed, but the school district maintained its stance by a vote of 6-1 that the book should not be featured in Marietta City Schools libraries.
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“Flamer” by Mike Curato tells the story of a boy scout bullied for his appearance, including actions considered stereotypical of gay men.
“Everyone’s going through changes―but for Aiden, the stakes feel higher. As he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can’t stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance,” the book’s description reads.
It is a semi-autobiographical account of Curato’s childhood. The graphic novel has been banned in Cobb County and Fulton County schools.
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Some parents have told Channel 2 Action News that they feel “Flamer” and other banned books are more suitable for a public library than one in a school.
Others have said they believe having books removed from schools is part of a larger political agenda.
Correction: The books “Blankets, and “Gender Queer” were not part of the complaints Marietta City Schools received. Complaints about those books have been sent to other districts in metro Atlanta.
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